TheCconnects: Can you tell our readers a little about your professional journey & how did you come to your current role/position?
Craig A. Williams: My journey is about changing gears in the middle of a sprint. I initially wanted to play professional sports that did not work out due to health issues, I then proceeded to go the route of being a doctor. This was very promising and I was on track to finish quickly. I had an epiphany moment where it wasn’t for me anymore. I quickly transitioned to technology. I started from the ground up. I was a desk-side technician at the hospital I was working at in the medical field. I saw opportunities to move up and take on responsibility and I asserted myself at them. The rest, as they say, is history.
TheCconnects: Who has influenced you the most in life and why?
Craig A. Williams: I would be remised if I didn’t say my father. Another one that worked his way up into the Chief Officer role. I had several leaders, along the way that showed me how a true leader is successful or better yet has a successful team.
Craig A. Williams: There have been many. Most of my challenges have been health-related. From cancer at 19 years old, to a cerebral vascular accident causing a stroke at 40 quickly followed by open-heart surgery to repair a faulty heart valve. All put challenges in my life and my career. Career challenges have not been in short supply either. Probably the largest was being asked to be dishonest, but I would not waiver from my morals. This would ultimately lead to me losing a job.
TheCconnects: What lessons you have learned from your professional career?
Craig A. Williams: I believe the biggest thing I have learned is I treat everyone with the same respect from the 1st year intern to the CEO. And along with that I truly believe if you take care of your employees they will in turn take care of your customers.
TheCconnects: What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space?
Craig A. Williams: I believe one of the biggest challenges that brands are going to face is Security concerns and remaining relevant. At the pace, the digital world is moving in companies are going to have to be agile and willing to change or shift at a moment’s notice.
TheCconnects: How your product/solution can help to resolve the pain points of your customers?
Craig A. Williams: As stated above Security has become top of mind for everyone as of recent. With our Security Stack and VCISO offering bridging that gap and allowing for fluidity and continuity to continue without having to do a global search for a Chief level security expert will be game-changing for some companies.
TheCconnects: Do you have any advice for those who want to become a chief security officer?
Craig A. Williams: I believe it was a Spider-Man quote that said “with great power comes great responsibility” remember that. Don’t go chasing a title or a paycheck. These companies are relying on you with your honesty and integrity to be the leader when it comes to being a chief of whatever it is. Understand the level of effort and amount of hours it may take and communicate that with your loved ones as well. It can be a rewarding position.
